Cute Shoes and Craft Brews: A Girls Guide to DC Breweries

February 19, 2015

Most people probably wouldn’t think of DC as a mecca for craft beer but in the past few years things have been changing rapidly and DC is quickly making the beer industry take notice. It seems like new emerging breweries are popping up by the handful and since we had heard so much buzz surrounding our cities new craft, we had to go out and see it for ourselves and then of course share what we found with you.

But before we start, we have to be honest, we aren’t beer connoisseurs. We aren’t even close. Of course we enjoy a good craft beer every now and again (mostly with our husbands) but our drink of choice is usually wine. But after taking a peek behind the curtain of the beer making process, the people behind it and what goes into it, lets just say we have a better appreciation now and so do our taste buds.

Check out a few photos from each of the breweries that we visited below and then head over to Rent.com for the full article, a list of our favorite beers we tasted, and a full review on each brewery we visited. Cheers!

Dave Coleman and Mike McGarvey, two long time friends and owners of 3 Stars Brewing Company invited us in to our first tour guide showing us their impressive brewery where they have crafted and released over 40 different distinctive beers. They have also been named DC’s Best Local Brewery two years running by Washington City Paper, and were named Rising Stars in 2014 by Star Chefs Magazine!

Over at DC Brau, we not only got to walk around their impressive Brewery but got a little art show gallery in there too with their spectacular graffiti covered walls. Owners, Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock are both DC residents that share years of experience in both brewing and beverage distribution, and noticed a void in the DC beer industry. They then decided to combine their knowledge and passion to found the DC Brau Brewing Company creating a cultivating, fun atmosphere with spectacular beer.

This rowdy brewery was founded by Justin Cox, CEO and beer industry expert and then he brought on his buddy and now master brewer, Will Durgin. These two, of Atlas Brew Works reminded us a lot like ourselves. Long time friends chasing a dream. We had a blast chatting it up with these guys about how they got started and was impressed with their accomplishments and moves they are making. With their combined experience and love for their craft, they are cranking out some of the best beers served in the District.

We ended our eventful brewery tour with dinner and drinks at Right Proper Brewing Company, a brew pub co-owned by Leah Cheston and John Snedden, located in the historic Shaw district of DC. Thanks to tour guide Thor and the cutest dinner partner ever, Virginia Reyes, we couldn’t ask for a better way to end the night. Great food, impeccable beer and amazing company made for one unforgettable and eventful friends outing.

So grab your girls and don’t be afraid to put on some cute shoes to tour around your local DC breweries with our guide to the best beers in town.